please / plēz/ • v. [tr.] 1. cause to feel happy and satisfied: he arranged a fishing trip to please his son | [tr.] it pleased him to be seen with someone in the news. ∎  [intr.] give satisfaction: she was quiet and eager to please. ∎  satisfy aesthetically: [as adj.] (pleasing) the pleasing austerity of the surroundings. 2. (please oneself) take only one's own wishes into consideration in deciding how to act or proceed: this is the first time in ages that I can just please myself. ∎  [intr.] wish or desire to do something: feel free to wander around as you please. ∎  (it pleases, pleased, etc., someone to do something) dated it is someone's choice to do something: instead of attending the meeting, it pleased him to go off hunting.• adv. used in polite requests or questions: please address letters to the Editor what type of fish is this, please? ∎  used to add urgency and emotion to a request: please, please come home! ∎  used to agree politely to a request: “May I call you at home?” “Please do.” ∎  used in polite or emphatic acceptance of an offer: “Would you like a drink?” “Yes, please.” ∎  used to ask someone to stop doing something of which the speaker disapproves: Rita, please—people are looking. ∎  used to express incredulity or irritation: You cleaned out the barn in only two hours? Oh, please!PHRASES: as —— as you please inf. used to emphasize the manner in which someone does something, esp. when this is seen as surprising: she walked forward as calm as you please.if you please1. used in polite requests: follow me, if you please.2. used to express indignation at something perceived as unreasonable: she wants me to make fifty cakes in time for the festival, if you please!DERIVATIVES: pleas·er n.pleas·ing·ly / ˈplēzinglē/ adv.